Land Rover..a replacement of head gaskets, thermostat and misc

Customer Question

This question is on a 2002 Land Rover Discovery

Looking for direction on the next steps to resolve an over heating problem. Have just completed a replacement of head gaskets, thermostat and misc. other items. Replaced coolant, and believe successfully bled the cooling system.

Ran the engine in the driveway at an idle both in gear and in park for about 40 minutes without issue. Took the truck out for a short spin and at low speeds no issue, but after about 5 minutes of driving took it up to 45 mph and immediately the temp skyrocketed. Back in the driveway just as the red indicator light came on.

Replaced the water pump about 1 1/2 years ago, have not done anything with the radiator. Truck has 99k miles on it.

Sounds like you may still have some air in the system. Here is how to bleed it. Remove the bleeder screw on the upper radiator hose. Remove the coolant tank cap. Locate the tank overflow tube coming out of the coolant cap neck. Rotate it up so the end of it is sticking up. Make sure the coolant is full. Put your hand over the cap hole on the tank to seal it. The blow in the overflow tube until coolant comes out of the bleeder without any air. Make sure the coolant level does not go down low or it will push in more air. Try this first. These things can be hard to get the air out sometimes. If you are unsucessful with that then you can reverse the heater hoses and that will get the air of the heater core because that is usually where the air is in the system.

Ok, I will give it a try. If this does not solve the issue what should my next step be. I do not just want to randomly throw money at this problem. I verified that the aux fan comes on with the AC, have checked the clutched fan, etc. It would appear that the water pump is moving fluid. I have been messing with this for a month and am about at the end of my rope and wallet!

I would then check the radiator for blockages. You will need to get an infared thermometer. Get the car up to temp and then check the temp starting at the bottom of the radiator from bottom to top and across it. If you find any excessively hot spots compared to the rest of the radiator then it has a blockage it. It should get cooler progressively cooler from bottom to top.

I will tell you that...the things you have to go through to be an Expert are quite rigorous.

What Customers are Saying:

I would (and have) recommend your site to others I was quite satisfied with the quality of the information received, the professional with whom I interacted, and the quick response time. Thanks, and be sure that I'll be back whenever I need a question answered in a hurry.Stephanie PElm City, NC

I would (and have) recommend your site to others I was quite satisfied with the quality of the information received, the professional with whom I interacted, and the quick response time. Thanks, and be sure that I'll be back whenever I need a question answered in a hurry.Stephanie PElm City, NC

used your service this weekend with "Trecers" help. thank you ,thank you, thank you. replaced an A/C fan motor. Local Auto Zone had part. $15.00 "tracer" fee and $40.00 for parts, I saved several hundreds of dollers at a shop. i will
recommend you and use you in the future.David L.Richmond, TX

9 dollars, 2 hours of my time, and I drove away. Your diagnosis was right on the mark. Thank you so much. PhilMarysville, CA

Lurch. Thank you very much. I had real doubts about this website but your promptness of response, quick followup and to the point answer with picture was incredible.CharlesWalnut Creek, CA

As a single woman, I really appreciate an excellent and affordable opinion. Thank you Geordie, I will not hesitate to contact justanswer in the future!SueCharleston, WV

Another great insight to what may be the problem. I will
have my mechanic take a look at it tomorrow. Thanks again, Frank...you do indeed know your stuff. JimCastleberry, FL

Excellent reply, and also very quick. Really sounds like the Expert knows what he is talking about. I will be back to use your service when I need more help with my RV.DutchUSA

Ask an Auto Mechanic

Get a Professional Answer. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

105 Auto Mechanics are Online Now

Type Your Car Question Here...

characters left:

Disclaimer: Information in questions, answers, and other posts on this site ("Posts") comes from individual users, not JustAnswer; JustAnswer is not responsible for Posts. Posts are for general information, are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (medical, legal, veterinary, financial, etc.), or to establish a professional-client relationship. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty or representations by JustAnswer regarding the qualifications of Experts. To see what credentials have been verified by a third-party service, please click on the "Verified" symbol in some Experts' profiles. JustAnswer is not intended or designed for EMERGENCY questions which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals.